Due Diligence: Getting to Know Jay Khoury
Our next “Due Diligence: Getting To Know…” employee spotlight is on: Senior Project Manager Jay Khoury in New York.
Macro: What do you love most about your work?
Jay: Absolutely it’s the people! The collaborative spirit and working with talented and brilliant individuals is a constant source of motivation, propelling me to improve daily and really tap into my full potential. The exchange of ideas and everyone’s collective effort to achieve common goals contributes to a positive and inspiring work environment – both personally and professionally.
Macro: What is your favorite part of the project life cycle, and why?
Jay: In my workstream, which typically revolves around Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E), the culmination of a project stands out as my favorite phase. A space is never truly finished without furniture (I could be biased here!). Witnessing the tangible outcome that reflects the effort invested is immensely rewarding. Despite any challenges, stress, or tough days, the ultimate result makes the journey worthwhile.
Macro: What is one thing you couldn’t make it through the day without?
Jay: The obvious and somewhat cliché choice here is coffee.
Macro: What are your tried-and-true “work hacks?”
Jay: One hack I’ve adopted, credited to Lacey Schwartz and Ian Lee, is scheduling an additional meeting alongside regular ones specifically for documenting raw meeting notes. This strategy has proven to be a game-changer, ensuring that crucial details are captured efficiently without interrupting the flow of the primary meeting.
Macro: What surprises people about your job?
Jay: A common surprise is the complexity associated with commercial furniture and the level of coordination required to bring a space together. Many people are unaware of the multitude of individuals involved and the countless hours dedicated to decisions as seemingly simple as selecting a chair color or determining whether a pedestal should have a lock. The depth of detail in commercial furniture often exceeds expectations.
Macro: If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Jay: Surround yourself with the right people – they have the most significant impact on your career. The ability to collaborate effectively, consider the needs of others, and see beyond personal interests is what truly adds value to your contributions. Building positive working relationships is a cornerstone for success.
Macro: Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Jay: I’d like to think that I am kind, funny, dependable, adaptable, and curious.
